From an adult viewpoint :the transition from non-student to student status

View/Open

Date

Author

Metadata

Abstract

This study focused on the transition process of adult undergraduate
students as they progressed from non-student to student status at a large state supported
university. This study focused on the factors of transition as
described in the Transition Framework developed by Nancy K. Schlossberg.
Schlossberg identified three major components of the transition process: the
transition, the individual, and the environment. The purpose of this study was to
determine the adequacy of the Schlossberg Transition Framework in explaining
the actual transition of adults from non-student to student status.

A qualitative methodology was utilized for data collection and analysis.
Data collected through in-depth personal interviews led to findings which
verified those constructs of Schlossberg's model that adult students identified
as important to the transition process.

The Schlossberg Transition Framework proved to be an adequate tool
for explaining this particular transition, although some components of the
Framework were of more importance than others. Study findings indicated that
the variables characterizing the individual were the most important part of the
transition process for the adults in this study. Commitment and values, ego
development, outlook, and coping resources all surfaced as critical components
to a successful transition. The variables characterizing the transition important
to these adults were: stress, role change, trigger event, and previous
experience with a transition of a similar nature. All the variables characterizing
the environment; support from family, friends, and institutions were found to be
important to this transition. The following formula was designed to describe
characteristics of the adults in this study who had successfully become
undergraduate college students: Determination + Courage + Vision = A
Successful Transition.